Xth ICT, August 2000

Antigen recognition by IgG4 antibodies in human trichinellosis

¹ Diagnostic Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Perinatal Screening, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment(RIVM), Bilthaven, The Netherlands.
² Research Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthaven, The Netherlands.
³ Microbiological Laboratory for Health Protection, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.

^* Correspondence : Dr. Elena Pineli. Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, LIS, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment(RIVM), P.O. Box 1. 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands. Tél.: 31-30-2744277 - Fax : 31-30-2744418 E-mail : elena.pinelli@rivm.nl

Abstract

The antibody isotype response to Trichinella spiralis excretory/secretory (ES) products of muscle larva was examined using sera from patients with confirmed trichinellosis. Using Western blots we identify components of the ES antigen that are recognized by IgM and IgG antibodies. A 45 kDa component was strongly recognized by different antibody classes and subclasses. We observed a 45 kDa-specific lgG4 response that was detected exclusively using sera of patients with trichinellosis and not of patients with echinococcosis, filariasis, cysticercosis, ascariasis, strongyloidiasis or toxocariasis. These results are relevant for the diagnosis of human trichinellosis.